Backup Generator Installation
Backup Generator Installation in Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins residential and light-commercial backup generators. Generac, Kohler, Cummins. Natural gas or propane fueled, automatic transfer switch, City of Fort Collins permitted.
Fort Collins Backup Generator Installation for Northern Colorado Properties
Northern Colorado weather creates real reasons to invest in backup power. Spring blizzards, summer storms with downed lines, and the occasional winter ice event can take Fort Collins neighborhoods off-grid for hours or days. A whole-home backup generator with automatic transfer switch keeps the lights on, the furnace running, the refrigerator cold, and home offices operational through any outage.
Moonlight Electric Solutions installs whole-home generators across Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Wellington. We work with all three major brands — Generac (most-installed across Northern Colorado), Kohler (premium quiet-running), and Cummins (commercial-grade reliability). Sizing depends on home electrical demand: a typical 3,000 sq ft Fort Collins home runs well on 22 kW; larger homes with electric heat or pool/spa loads need 26-32 kW.
Fuel choice is natural gas or propane. Most Fort Collins homes have natural gas service, which makes whole-home generators a clean install — connect to the gas line at the meter, run the supply line to the generator pad, install the automatic transfer switch in the panel area, and commission the unit. Propane installs add an above-ground tank (usually 250 or 500 gallons) and the supply line, but otherwise install identically.
How Backup Generators Works for Fort Collins
Sizing for Fort Collins Homes
Standard 22 kW handles 3,000-3,500 sq ft Fort Collins homes with central A/C, electric oven, and typical loads. Larger 26-32 kW handles homes with electric heat, hot tub, pool, or large appliance packages. We do a load calculation during the walk-through to size correctly — undersized generators trip on overload, oversized generators waste capacity and budget.
Generac, Kohler, or Cummins
Generac is the volume choice for Northern Colorado — most installed, parts available locally, certified service network. Kohler runs quieter (66-67 dB vs Generac’s 67-68 dB) and has premium aesthetics. Cummins is commercial-grade with longer warranty and better load-shedding. We help homeowners pick based on home, budget, and noise priorities.
Permit + HOA + Setbacks
City of Fort Collins permits backup generator installs (electrical permit + gas line permit). HOA review applies in many Fort Collins neighborhoods (Front Range Village, Maple Hill, Observatory Village) — most allow with screening requirements. Setback rules: 18 inches from building, 60 inches from windows/doors, 36 inches from gas meter. We design to all three.
Other Fort Collins Services
Fort Collins Backup Generators FAQ
How long does a Fort Collins generator install take?
2-4 days from delivery to commissioning, plus 1-2 weeks of permit + inspection lead time before install begins.
What does a Fort Collins generator install cost?
Whole-home 22 kW: $9,500-$13,500 installed (Generac). Larger 26-32 kW: $12,500-$17,500. Cummins or Kohler typically $1,500-$3,500 premium over equivalent Generac.
Natural gas or propane?
Natural gas if you have city gas service (most Fort Collins homes do). Propane if no gas service or for redundancy. Propane requires above-ground tank.
How loud is a backup generator?
Generac at 67-68 dB at 23 feet (about a normal conversation level). Kohler at 66-67 dB. Most Fort Collins HOAs accept either; some require sound-attenuated enclosures.
Will my HOA allow a generator?
Most Fort Collins HOAs allow with screening (landscape or fence). We submit the install plan to the HOA architectural review board if your neighborhood has one.